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Imaging: 12.2MP effective CMOS sensor captures images at 4272x2848 pixels with 14 bits/color in RAW mode.
Storage: CompactFlash Type I/II including UDMA; Memory Stick Duo including PRO-HG. Stores JPEG, RAW, cRAW (compressed), RAW+JPEG and cRAW+JPEG files.
Burst rate: 5 fps high-res Fine JPEGs up to the capacity of the card; up to 20 RAW or 12 RAW+JPEG (tested).
AF system: 11 selectable AF zones with activation lights. Single-shot and continuous AF with fore-aft and across-the-frame tracking. Sensitive down to EV -2 (at ISO 100, f/1.4).
Shutter speeds: 1/8000 to 30 sec plus B (1/3 or 1/2-EV increments).
Image stabilization: Sensor-based, works with all lenses.
Metering: TTL metering with 40-zone evaluative, centerweighted, and spotmetering (approx. 2.3% of viewfinder). EV 0-20 (at ISO 100).
ISO range: 100-6400 (in 1/3-EV increments).
Flash: Built-in pop-up unit with ADI and TTL autoflash plus manual control, GN 39 (ISO 100, feet), covers 16mm lens field of view. Flash sync to 1/250 sec, to 1/200 sec with Super SteadyShot engaged. Dedicated Sony/Minolta hot shoe.
Viewfinder: Eye-level, fixed pentaprism.
LCD: 3-in. transflective TFT with 307,200-pixel resolution.
Output: Hi-Speed USB 2.0, HDMI video. PictBridge and PIM III compatible.
Battery: Rechargeable InfoLithium M; CIPA rating, 650 shots, 50% with flash.
Size/weight: 5.6x4.25x3.25 in., 1.7 lb with card and battery.
Street price: $1,400, body only; $1,900 with 16-105mm f/3.5-5.6 Sony DT zoom.
For info: www.sonystyle.com.
VIEWFINDER TEST
Accuracy: 95% (Excellent)
Magnification: 0.99X (Excellent)
Competitive Set
Canon EOS 40D ($1,300 street, body only): While only 10.1MP, the new Canon midranger has nearly the resolution of the A700, a notch better noise control through ISO 1600, and higher color accuracy. The Canon lacks ISO 6400, and while it fires off JPEGs at 6.5 fps, it slows down after 75-150 shots, whereas the Sony keeps on firing at 5 fps. The Canon also has live view with AF. Many think the Sony's control layout is superior. Plus, the A700's image stabilization works about as well as most Canon IS lenses, although it lacks a panning mode.
Nikon D300 ($1,700 estimated street, body only) It'll be interesting to see how Nikon does with essentially the same CMOS sensor as the A700's, given that Nikon has set the benchmark in noise control. The Nikon has live view with two flavors of AF, a 51-point AF array, 6 fps burst rate (although buffer-limited), and such niceties as AF tracking by color. The D300's D-Lighting controls may be as extensive as Sony's DRO. Sony's sensor-shift image stabilization saves money over the Nikon's VR lenses. (Our full test of the D300 will run in the magazine and at www.PopPhoto.com when we have a testable production model.)
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